Get ready for a laugh and a thrilling ride as Jay Leno welcomes special guest George Gray (the voice of “The Price is Right”) to Jay Leno’s Garage! This week, they’re taking a spin in George’s incredibly unique 1958 Berkeley sports car – a fiberglass marvel that Jay remembers as “pretty hot” when he was a kid.
Discover why this “budget racing” icon of the ’50s and ’60s, despite its small size and 30-horsepower, two-stroke Excelsior engine, is an absolute blast to drive. Jay and George explore the car’s surprisingly roomy interior, its lightweight 700-pound frame, and its original features, including a rear-mounted gas tank and a four-speed Albion transmission with a reverse gear.
Learn about the history of the Berkeley, how it was a fully manufactured car (not a kit) made in Biggleswade, England, and its surprising racing success, even with legendary drivers like Stirling Moss. Jay and George share anecdotes, including the challenges of post-war England and George’s personal connection to the Berkeley through his father.
Experience the joy of driving a “slow car fast” where 40 MPH feels like 80! This episode highlights why these quirky, fun-to-drive machines still bring smiles and laughter wherever they go.
